National Super League (NSL) debutants Green Commandos were held to a 1-1 draw at the Bukhungu stadium by visiting fellow newcomers Coast Stima on Monday 12 February in the two teams' first encounter of the 2018 season.

Commandos took the lead early in the second half through a sumptuous finish by forward Henry Atola but Stima would eventually rally to salvage a share of the spoils courtesy of a Collins Kombo free kick five minutes from time.

The result sees the two teams tied on position eight on the log with a point each.

Historic victory

Commandos were on the verge of a historic win before Kombo struck and head coach Brenden Mwinamo rued the missed chance.

He is quoted by the FKF official website as saying, “We conceded a very easy goal very late in the match, but that is the nature of football. We will go back and try to correct our mistakes.”

His opposite number Kinero Swaleh was optimistic of his team’s chances going forward after the draw, he said, “Our opponents were quite physical, and we are also set to travel a lot as opposed to last season. But my boys are ready to compete at this level.”

To get promoted, Commandos topped Zone B of the third tier while Stima advanced as the third best team after finishing second in Zone A.

Kangemi AllStars, the other team to make up the list of promoted sides were on Saturday 10 February defeated 2-1 at Hope Centre by visiting Bidco United. AllStars finished the 2017 season top of Zone A.

Next up for Commandos is an away tie to Nairobi Stima on Saturday 17 at the Karuturi grounds while Stima will be up against Kisumu AllStars in Mombasa on the same day.